He was serious about recruiting Hwang Hee-chan (28) from Wolverhampton. However, he chose to stay.
The Sun, a British media outlet, reported on the 6th (Korea time) that “Hwang Hee-chan directly revealed how he rejected Roberto de Gerby’s offer to recruit Marseille in the summer transfer market.” De Gerby called Hwang Hee-chan every day to talk about joining Marseille. However, Hwang Hee-chan decided to stay with Wolverhampton and did not regret his rejection of Marseille’s offer.”
Hwang Hee-chan said, “I had to make a big decision. Marcelo offered me a recruit and I kept in touch with De Zerby every day.”
“I have spoken to manager Gary O’Neill of Wolverhampton several times. I trusted him. He stressed that he is a very important player to me. He gave me great faith. Eventually, I will stay at Wolverhampton and do my best. Now I want to fight and help my teammates at Wolverhampton,” he said.
Hwang Hee-chan was the target of Marseille. French media L’Equipe once said, “Hwang Hee-chan was included in the list of strikers established by the management of the Marseille club and verified by coach Roberto de Gervi. The club and the head coach unanimously agreed to recruit Hwang Hee-chan.”
It is clear why De Zerby wanted Hwang Hee-chan. Hwang Hee-chan changed his position from a winger he had played for in the 2023-24 season to a front-line striker. Although he has not been in 100% condition due to minor injuries, he has achieved a career high in his third season of the Premier League. With 12 goals and three assists in 29 games, he has recorded double-digit attack points for the first time in his career in the Premier League, demonstrating his competitiveness in the world’s best stage.
He also re-signed with Wolverhampton, proving himself to be a good striker in the Premier League. Local media also pointed out that “De Zerby was fascinated by the reckless and intense Hwang Hee-chan style when he constantly stuck with Wolverhampton when he was leading Brighton and Hove Albion.”
However, Wolverhampton and Marseille do not agree on Hwang Hee-chan’s transfer fee. The media outlet said, “Marsayu offered a transfer fee of 20 million euros, but Wolverhampton wants more money. The two clubs are continuing to negotiate,” and explained, “As Hwang Hee-chan, who was signed until June 2028, has conveyed his intention to join the management of Wolverhampton, there is a possibility of a transfer to Marseille.”
Marseille finished eighth in the French Ligue 1 in the 2023-24 season and is a well-known player who won nine regular league titles. However, as it has not been able to become the champion since winning the 2009-10 season, management and coach De Zerby started recruiting strikers ahead of the opening of the new season, and sent a love call to Hwang Hee-chan, whose aggressive breakthrough is attractive.
French media “Foot Mercato” also reported, “With Wolverhampton negotiating with Marseille over the transfer of Hwang Hee-chan, Hwang Hee-chan conveyed his desire to join Marseille.”
“Given that Iliman Ndiaye is moving to Everton and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future, Marseille is trying to recruit several players in the offensive sector,” he said. “He recently revealed his interest in recruiting Hwang Hee-chan, who scored 12 goals and three assists in the Premier League last season. It deserves the attention of Marseille.”
Marseille was a team that Hwang Hee-chan would be concerned about. It had nine wins at the French Ligue 1 championship and 10 wins at the Cup de France. In the 1992-93 season, it broke through the UEFA Champions League final, taking the big year in its arms to lead Europe. Unlike the glamorous 1990s, it is in the middle of the Ligue 1, but coach Gerby can relish his past glory.
I watched Hwang Hee-chan not only from de Zerby but also from a high-ranking official in Marseille. “L’Equipe” said, “Chairman Longoria has been watching and approaching Hwang Hee-chan with interest since 2020,” followed by “Foot Mercato” that “Chairman longoria is leading the way himself.” If both the coach and the chairman’s team wanted Hwang Hee-chan, he could play as a key player and immediately with a sense of strength. 메이저사이트
On the French side, Hwang Hee-chan said he wanted to challenge Marseille, but Hwang Hee-chan seems to have been more inclined toward Wolverhampton. If Wolverhampton gets the belief that he trusts him, he wanted to play in the Premier League more than Ligue 1.
Local media also analyzed that Wolverhampton should never miss Hwang Hee-chan. “We must not sell Hwang Hee-chan unless he offers astronomical money,” said Molinho News, which delivers the Wolverhampton news. “Marceu’s first bid was quickly rejected. There is no follow-up bid yet. It is unclear whether he will come up with a new offer.”
He also said, “Wolverhampton is very eager to catch Hwang Hee-chan. Wolverhampton fans around the world are welcome.”
The media outlet explained Hwang Hee-chan’s influence. “He was disappointed in his performance in the first two seasons. However, he changed under O’Neill. He was the core of the team whenever he played. O’Neill praised him for his fast speed and active performance. He also showed great connections with Matheus Cunha and Pedro Netu. Hwang played well in the front with two players, and often headed into the box to score a goal,” he said.
“He was outstanding in front of the goal. He was versatile enough to play anywhere in front of him. O’Neill described Hwang as an outstanding and very intelligent player. He is an invaluable player.”